Carlton Grand Canal

It might be a bit of a walk to Piazza San Marco, but this is a charming boutique hotel on the Grand Canal that prides itself on being the Venice of the past transported into the 21st century. Situated directly opposite the Santa Lucia train station, the rooms vary from spacious to small and are also priced according to their views (either inner courtyard or canal), so be sure to check all your options when booking. The drinks in the hotel not surprisingly veer onto the expensive side, but the old fashioned Venetian atmosphere certainly makes up for that.